West Midlands Metro have announced that their fares will not be increasing this January as they try to play their part in supporting customers through the cost of living crisis. This follows on from the introduction of the new zonal fare system last year which had already helped some people to save money when travelling on the trams.
The zonal fare system was due to launch last March but its introduction ended up being delayed until June as a result of the network being closed whilst the first of the trams were repaired. This saw the network split up into different zones (similar to transport systems in London and also Manchester Metrolink) making it clearer to passengers what their ticket would cost and also reducing the fares for some using the West Midlands Metro.
Now to take into account the ongoing cost of living crisis being experienced by many in the UK it has been decided not to increase the fares this January as is traditional on many transport systems in the country.
Sophie Allison, West Midlands Metro Interim Managing Director, said: “In the current economic climate we appreciate that many people will be struggling with rising prices. As a result, we will not be introducing any fare rises in January so that our customers don’t have to worry about finding even more extra money to cover the cost of what are often essential trips.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, was delighted with the news: “This fare freeze is great news – not least given the cost-of-living pressures many are currently facing. As we continue to expand and upgrade the Metro network, I’m pleased to see services getting back to normal and once again offering residents a fast and frequent travel option. In 2023, I’d encourage even more people to leave the car at home and give the tram a try.”
The zonal system sees single fares start from £1.90 and can be purchased on board the trams from the conductors as well as on the My Metro App.